"I think our voices are stronger together ... at least open up a dialogue about it. The reality is that there are problems in this country. They aren’t going to be fixed overnight. But let’s us open a discussion on that ... I think sports are highly influential with what’s going on in football and their freedom to express their personal rights,” said Brown. “The president has made some comments, and he’s come at players and teams in a way. I think it’s unconstitutional to do that — to tell them they don’t have the right to speak about whatever it is in their heart they feel needs to be spoken about."

"It’s your right to have that ability to stand up and say something ... whether that’s kneeling, or whatever action it is, as long as the individual knows the intent behind it. It’s not about the veterans, or military, or kneeling for the national anthem, it’s much bigger than that."

"The hope is progression ... the beautiful thing is that people are starting to wake up."

While sports may indeed be some people's retreat from politics and the problems they are supposed to be solving, it's worth remembering that whether speaking of all-time greats like Jackie Robinson, Muhammad Ali and even the Celt's own Bill Russell, separating the oppression of black bodies from the enjoyment of their play was not an option.

Here's to a world where we can recognize that struggle with respect — a world with earnest progress at solving these social ills, not just in Boston, but everywhere.